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WrightWords writes: Thought our TORn friends -- at least the Canadians -- might find this cartoon amusing. Gordon Campbell of course is the premier of British Columbia, the Canadian province that just won the bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Ran in the Victoria Times Colonist - the local newspaper of the capital city. [More]

Having previously worked with director Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings) in films such as Brain Dead (which was released in the U.S. as Dead Alive) and a mockumentary called Forgotten Silver, Fighting Styles Designer Tony Wolf was sought by Jackson to develop distinct fighting styles for each of the races of Middle Earth. [More]

Sean writes: I wrote to the Boston Museum that will be hosting the LOTR exhibit...asking when the exact dates will be. This is the response I got. 'LOTR' will be on exhibit at the Musuem of Science August 1, 2004 through October 30, 2004. We do not have any ticket prices set yet.

HobbitGrrl writes: The new series one action figures for the Return of the King are popping up on Ebay. The first series will consist of Frodo and Sam in orc armor, Aragorn, and Eomer. Attached are pictures from Ebay, showing the packaging and some details of the action figures! The only one with no picture yet is Eomer. [More]

Here's Lolly's report from the Australian Effects and Animations Festival held in Melbourne in the Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Federation Square. This happened back in May, so it's not news, but we didn't get such a detailed and funny report at the time. [More]

Once a year folks from the TORn community gather to chat about all-things Tolkien, relax, and get to know each other better. This year's 'Bash will be held July 23-27 in Toronto, Canada, the site of hockey, great beer, and... um, well... Barlibash! The July 15th deadline for making reservations is now upon us. Check out the Barlibash page to find out everything you need to know about this fun event. [More]

Amanda writes: I just wanted to let you guys know that UNCC (Charlotte, NC) is having an outdoor showing of The Two Towers Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 8:00 PM at the Cone University Center, Cone Center Plaza. It doesn't cost anything to see the film either!

Jessica J writes: In response to your suggestion that Orlando Bloom may be the next Superman (See Bloom To Don The Red Tights? -Xo), this was denied by Orlando on Friday 11th when he was interviewed on Radio 1. In the interview he talked about his upcoming films 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Troy', but also mentioned LOTR, and said that out of all his movie roles, being an elf is his preferred choice of character.

Actor Orlando Bloom, 26, never tires of putting on elaborate costumes for films. The dreamy, dark-haired Brit sported long, blond locks as a badass elf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, military garb for Black Hawk Down, and swashbuckling attire for his current movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. [More]

According to a survey of 23,000 people by bookseller Angus & Robertson, The Lord of the Rings pipped JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for first place on a list of the nation's 100 most popular titles. [More]

From CalenderLive comes an amusing look at teenaged girls, Bloom Mania, and the Internet: When it comes to true love, we all have moments when we lose our heads. And Theresa's downfall, alas, is right in plain sight on her bulletin board. It's a small shiny Valentine card with a picture of Legolas, the earnest elf in "The Lord of the Rings." Theresa filched the card from a classmate. [More]

Ringer Tampa Phil shares this one. You'll have to get past all the light-hearted dialogue about Iraq, the Cold War, and other political fluff to get to the *really important stuff* waaaaay down at the end of the interview where New Zealand's Prime Minister has words on LotR and NZ. You know your movie's had a huge impact when it hits the PM's list on Talking Point: [More]

The folks at Gaming Havens are proud to present an exclusive live chat with Games Workshop creators Alessio Cavatore, Alan Perry and Michael Perry! Be sure to join us this weekend - Saturday, July 19 - on TORn's IRC server in channel #Havens for an exclusive chat preview of Shadow and Flame. [More] [Gaming Havens]

There is no doubt that trees had a special place in Tolkiens heart. In Middle-earth they whisper, they walk, and before Sun and Moon was made, two trees gave light to the world. The forces of darkness, like Saruman and his orcs delight in cutting the woods down, but in Middle-earth the trees themselves can go to war, led by those most curious of Tolkiens creations: the shepherds of the trees. [More]

Jenn N writes: I had just been to London, and had already mised the exhibit in Toronto, I was not about to let this exhibition get away without seeing it. So I emailed everyone and their hamster to find out when this exhibition will be in the USA. Well, I found out that it is on the tentative schedule for the Museum of Science, Boston for Late 2004. Hope this helps to settle the stomach of USA readers. [mos.org]

Xoanon here, the Museum of Science in Boston have Confirmed to TheOneRing.net that there will indeed be an exhibition in the fall of 2004! Stay tuned!

Chris Seeman writes: To the English-speaking world, Italy remains very much the terra incognita for Tolkien-inspired music. Boasting a spectrum that embraces traditions as disparate as nationalist rock and avant garde jazz, Italia is home to no fewer than twenty-eight Tolkien-inspired artists. [More]

Jolanda writes: Just wanted to let you know that currently a Sandsculpture Festival is taking place in Scharendijke, (Zeeland) The Netherlands, with the Theme: Magic and Fantasy! Some sculptures are Lord Of The Rings related. [More]

A while back we featured a review of the Audio CD version of The Lord of the Rings. Now Jan has followed that up with us his review of the audio CD version of The Silmarillion, a work that many people find more difficult to read. [More]

Decipher has translated - or transliterated - several of its Fellowship of the Ring cards from the Trading Card Game into elvish. The result - absolutely gorgeous. We've scrapbooked a handful ourselves, or you can head to the Decipher site to check out the whole lot. Thanks to Ringer Spy WeeTanya for the link.

Ringer Liz wrote to tell us that BBC Newsaround is putting Orlando Bloom on the spot for a Q&A session. Anyone submitting a question will probably be competing with a legion of fans, so make sure you have a good one. [More]

Ringer Vardia writes that The Sydney Morning Herald has a story about long films and DVT. Sitting through long movies can cause blood clots in the same way as deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop in passengers on long aircraft flights, New Zealand medical researchers said today. [More]

Karl Urban fans may be interested to hear that principal photography has begun on his new project - the science fiction action-adventure epic The Chronicles of Riddick. Urban will star alongside Vin Diesel, Dame Judy Dench and Colm Feore. Thanks to Ringer Paladin for the heads-up. [More]

Ringer Spy AJM let us know that IGN Gamecube has a preview of Electronic Arts' Return of the King game, and unsurprisingly there's information that will only muddy the spoiler waters. The vibe for the game itself is extremely promising. You can read the full review here, but I've grabbed a few excerpts to discuss the parts which may affect the movie. We also have a statement from EA about Sauron in the game. [More] Spoilers!

TheOneRing.net is proud to be an active participant in the 2nd annual Lord of the Rings Pavilion at Comic Con 2003, taking place July 17th-20th at the San Diego Convention Center. We'll be hosting a live webcam, live chats and a whole lot more to help all Ringers get their Tolkien fix! Follow the link for details. [More]

If you just can't get ENOUGH practice at Elvish, and you've been enjoying TORN's Elvish lessons in the Hall of Fire, you might like to join the language sessions at Imladris, which start this Friday evening US time. [More] After all, practice makes perfect, and it's hard to find enough places to practice speaking Elvish!

Jens writes: I thought it might be interesting for the German fans that the cinema-chain CINEMAXX started selling special tickets for a triple LOTR show on Tuesday, Dec 16. So not only will one be able to see the first two parts on a big screen again but one can as well see ROTK one day ahead of the official opening.

Cathyvicki writes: In response to Hawbit's report on Blockbusters offer (See Blockbuster TTT Special -Xo). I can beat that. Here in England, if you put a Ł2 reserve deposit on TTT DVD at Toys R Us stores not only do you get a poster but you also get a limited edition TTT watch as well.

Mattforce sends in a small report on the OzzFest concert in California this past week. Seems old Ozzy used a few LOTR scenes and goofed around with them. As anything related to the Osbournes, watch the ****ing language here kiddies. [More]

Even writes: A couple of days ago you ran a small report about Jay Laga'aia being on crutches due to a broken leg sustained during fight scenes on some movie (See Laga'aia's Broken Leg Woes -Xo). The truth is a bit more mundane. [More]

A supposed authentic report from this site featured the image on the left claiming to be Dementors from the latest Harry Potter films. A little digging brings up the image of the Nazgul on the right...notice the similarities? This is a false image, 'Photoshopped' is the term. [More]

Swedish daily Aftonbladet has a new RoTK story up. While we're searching for a translation, you can all check out the pretty pictures - no new ones, but a good set of RoTK stills. Thanks to Ringer Spy Eva for the heads-up. [More] [English Translation] Spoilers

The Hawbit writes: I just found out that if you make a $5 deposit or more at BlockBuster (Canadian locations, that I know of), you will receive a collector's poster, as well as a guaranteed copy of the two disc theatrical version of Lord of the Rings: Two Towers. This will start on Tuesday. The collector's poster will most likely be your choice of one of the 4 'theatre banners.'

From DarkHorizons: Orlando Bloom is the latest name rumoured to be up for Supes, whilst The Daily Oklahoman reports that the Oklahoma Film Commission has been contacted to provide possible locations for Clark Kent's boyhood farm home.

From the Comic-Con Website: New Line also presents an in-depth look at The Lord of the Rings with state-of-the-art extras and Andy Serkis and Richard Taylor discussing what it takes to bring Gollum to life. In addition, The Two Towers DVD features will be previewed ,with Sean Astin discussing his short film and an exclusive screening of The Return of the King footage from the August DVD, as well as other surprise guests. Room 20. [comic-con.org]

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Australian actress Cate Blanchett (news) was only vaguely familiar with the story of the investigative journalist who took on Dublin's drug barons and ended up paying the ultimate price. [More]

Kailin writes: The Saturday schedule for Comic-Con 2003 just went up, and Sean Astin (Sam) is now listed to join the New Line panel with Andy Serkis (Gollum). They also mention more special guests, so anything might happen, woohoo! [comic-con.org]

I checked this morning and it seems no one has reported that Orlando Bloom was on V Graham Norton last night. There was a clip from Pirates of the Caribbean, and some general chat, though nothing particularly in depth. Orlando seemed generally amused by what went on.

Thanks to Mary for that one. TORn Staffer WeeTanya dug up the transcript: [More]

They just keep coming. For the next week, Sev.com.au is running a new Lord of the Rings cartoon caption contest. The cartoon has Frodo and Sam watching the wood elves walking through the Shire forest. Sam wonders why they glow in the dark like that. The reader gets to write Frodo's response. The entries are rated by readers with the funniest punchline voted on in a week's time. The contest ends Wed 16 July. Be sure to check it out here! Thanks to John Cook for the heads up!

Hansen writes: I saw the news about the Two Towers flash film and though I should let you know that I have made a flash movie of Fellowship of the Ring myself. It can be found on this page along with some other movies! It lasts around 12 minutes and should be worth a download. [More]

Please join the Elvish 101 guys this Wednesday when we will be exploring the secret world of Nouns in our Elvish chat - same Barliman's time, same Barliman's channel! (Wednesday 7/9/03, 8pm EDT, 5pm PDT 1am GMT Thursday -- in #TheHallofFire)

Is JK Rowling the number one fan of JRR Tolkien? Both tell stories about young boys going on epic journeys with wacky wizard friends, not forgetting dark forces, Gollums and house elves. Plus both are loved by adults and children alike. [More]

Ringer Spy J.R. dug up a very interesting picture from www.popcornlive.co.uk which shows ToyBiz's Witch King-figure in full armour. Why is this interesting? Remember the reports about Aragorn fighting Sauron at the end of The Return of the King? See the resemblance between the Sauron we saw in the prologue from The Fellowship of the Ring and this figure right here? Could it be that Aragorn will be fighting this fellow? We can only speculate, but in the meantime, check out the picture in our scrapbook! TINY SPOILER!

Update! Toy Biz have requested this photo be removed, on account of it being an early prototype which may not represent the actual final appearance of the Witch King in the film.

If you are thinking about ordering tickets to the London Science Museum Lord of the Rings Exhibition (the one we reported about earlier today), but have some unanswered questions, fear no more! Ringer Spy Isadora spent some time talking to the people from the Museum, and here's what she found out! [More]

Long time Ringer Athena_hobbitmaiden dropped us a note, sure to please the Trek/Rings fanatic: William Shatner's official website has a string of LOTR discussions... including some comments from The Man himself. [More]

'Veronica Guerin', the new film based on the life of the murdered Irish journalist, receives its world premiere in Dublin tonight. Among those who will be attending the gala screening are Cate Blanchett, who plays Veronica Guerin and fellow cast members Gerard McSorley, Ciaran Hinds, Brenda Fricker and Colin Farrell. [More]

Sure Ian McKellen may have gotten the Oscar nomination, but if there's one person who has reaped success from Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings," it is actor Orlando Bloom. With only a small role in "Wilde" on his film resume, Bloom was plucked out of relative obscurity to play Legolas the Elf in the trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels. [More]

Pianists everywhere can now explore the spirit and grandeur of the blockbuster hit The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, thanks to a matching songbook to the hit movie, recently released by Warner Bros. Publications.[More]

ComicCon 2003, July 17-20, is swiftly approaching! The day 1 schedule is now online, with days 2-4 to be posted shortly. Your friends at TheOneRing.net will not only have a booth, but will also present a panel discussion on all-things Tolkien. [More]

The future of the third Lord of the Rings movie might have been saved by the heroic efforts of a caffeine crazy art director. The thought of missing out on his daily grind drove Lord of the Rings art designer Ben Hawker to risk life, limb - and facial hair - to tackle a fire threatening his favourite cafe, Eva Dixon's Place, yesterday. "I'll be damned if I'm going to miss out on a coffee, mate," he said. The Weta Workshop employee was walking past the cafe in the Wellington suburb of Miramar yesterday afternoon when he noticed smoke billowing out of a room above the cafe, a favourite haunt for cast and crew working on Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. [more]

UK Fans of the Lord Of The Rings movies will be able to explore the wizardry behind the special effects at an exhibition in London's Science Museum from September. Visitors can uncover the cinematic secrets of Middle-earth during an interactive tour featuring hundreds of props and outfits from the film trilogy. [More]

Trey writes: I was reading an article ("Episode III Set Diary: Wrapping Up Week One") on the Star Wars Hyperspace site and I ran across an interesting tidbit. It seems that Jay Laga'aia, who plays Captain Typho in Episodes II & III, broke his leg while filming fight scenes for "Return of the King." He showed up on the set of Episode III fresh out of his cast, but still on crutches. Unfortunately, there were no details on how the injury happened. According to your site, Laga'aia played Ugluk in "TTT",' but IMDB doesn't list him in any LotR movies. At any rate, it certainly sounds like he'll be in the third one.

Deep in the Magic Kingdom, things are about to get ugly. I’m walking with Orlando Bloom down a 1,050-foot red carpet at the Disneyland premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean,” between him and a hysterical horde of his prepubescent girl fans. Not a good place to be. [More]

From USA Today: "Ruminate, if you will, on the ever-flowering phenomenon known as Orlando Bloom. The name of this model-handsome British actor, 26, doesn't just suggest a matinee idol in the making. The hothouse handle sounds as if it should come with its own perfume strip: Scratch to release aromatic hints of romance, adventure and, perhaps, superstardom." [More]

In a related story, Orlando refutes rumours about his name, his diet, and upcoming films. We're not sure if you were wondering about this stuff, but if you were, check it out here.